The Belarus Hi-Tech Park is a special legal regime that provides favorable conditions for the development of IT companies and export-oriented technological projects. However, there are still many stereotypes surrounding the HTP: it is often referred to as an “ecosystem,” administrative mechanisms are misunderstood, and benefits are sometimes attributed to it that do not actually exist. In practice, HTP is specifically a special legal regime that enables companies to operate under simplified rules, reduce administrative burdens, and optimize operational processes.

For tech businesses planning to open an office or expand their team in Belarus, understanding the status of an HTP resident has practical significance. The legal regime provides access to a number of instruments that simplify work in international markets, from special rules for conducting foreign economic activities to more flexible forms of employee relations. At the same time, it is important to consider limitations, for example, the requirements for types of activities, reporting specifics, and regulatory nuances.

In this article, we will analyze who can become an HTP resident, what advantages the legal regime provides, and what obligations and requirements companies must consider when obtaining HTP resident status. The material is focused on practical business needs and helps assess whether HTP residency is suitable for your project.

What HTP is: a legal regime, not an ecosystem

The Hi-Tech Park is a special legal regime operating throughout Belarus, offering companies simplified business conditions. It is important to understand that HTP is not a geographic location or an “innovation campus” in the usual sense. It is a legally established regime applicable to residents of Belarus regardless of where their offices or employees are physically located.

Legal status of HTP and its key features

The HTP legal regime is regulated by specific legal provisions that establish special rules for taxation, foreign economic activity, interaction with employees, and collaboration with business partners.
The core idea of HTP is to create conditions that allow tech companies to operate through accelerated and less bureaucratic processes while maintaining transparency and predictability of regulation.

In practice, HTP residents gain access to a clearly defined regulatory framework that makes many operational processes simpler and faster, from hiring foreign specialists to structuring export contracts.

How HTP differs from an “ecosystem”

Public sources often refer to HTP as an ecosystem, which can mislead businesses. An ecosystem implies interconnected services, educational programs, state initiatives, infrastructure, and innovation support tools.

HTP does not perform these functions. Its purpose is to provide a legal regime, not to build a comprehensive development environment. Therefore, it is more accurate to view HTP as a set of legal norms that create comfortable conditions for tech companies, rather than as an infrastructure or investment platform.

How HTP administration actually works

Another common misconception is that HTP is run by an “administration,” similar to technology parks in other countries.

In reality, HTP is managed by the Supervisory Board and the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board.
This is particularly important for foreign companies, as terminology affects proper document preparation, contract execution, and communication with regulators.

The Secretariat performs administrative functions:

• accepts and reviews applications for HTP entry
• monitors compliance of residents with established requirements
• ensures communication between companies and regulatory bodies
• maintains the register of residents

Thus, HTP is a legal construction with a clear regulatory mechanism rather than an independent ecosystem or a service-providing administrative entity.

Who can become an HTP resident

The HTP legal regime was initially introduced for companies engaged in IT and developing high-tech products or services. Over time, the list of eligible fields expanded, and today entry criteria are broad but clearly defined.

Activity requirements

Companies may apply for HTP residency if their core activity falls within the list established by law. Key areas include:

• software development
• development and maintenance of information systems
• R&D in high-tech industries
• mobile apps, games, and cloud services
• data processing and machine learning
• cybersecurity
• IT-related educational projects (subject to criteria)
• other types of activity explicitly listed in regulations

It is essential that the declared activity is primary, not auxiliary: HTP evaluates both the business process itself and the share of technological operations in revenue.

Main selection criteria for HTP residents

When reviewing an application, evaluators consider not only the activity type but also the company’s capacity to perform technological work at a professional level. In practice, the following is assessed:

• existence of a real tech business project and a capable team
• share of IT activity within revenue structure
• project scalability and perspective (especially for startups)
• transparency of financial and ownership structure
• readiness to comply with HTP regulatory requirements

HTP is not an investor or accelerator, therefore potential alone is not enough, the company must be able to actually produce a technological product.

Work formats: legal entities, individual entrepreneurs, and others

HTP residency is available to:

• legal entities registered in Belarus
• companies with foreign capital that establish a legal entity in Belarus
• startups launching development activity
• in some cases — individual entrepreneurs, if their activity fits within the permitted technological scope

Key point: HTP is a regime for Belarusian-registered companies. Foreign organizations must establish a Belarusian legal entity before applying.

Common misconceptions among foreign companies

International businesses often face several recurring myths:

Myth 1: HTP accepts any IT company.

Incorrect. Eligible activities and a real technological project are required.

Myth 2: Opening a legal entity guarantees residency.

No. A business project must be prepared and undergo expert review.

Myth 3: HTP is similar to a tech park or business incubator.

It is not. HTP does not provide industry support services — it is strictly a legal regime.

Myth 4: HTP is suitable for any business.

Companies engaged in trade, services, manufacturing, or other non-tech areas cannot apply.

Procedure for Obtaining HTP Residency

Becoming a resident of the High-Tech Park (HTP) is not a formality, but a structured legal process that requires preparation. Despite the simplified regulatory environment for tech companies, entry into the HTP requires an expert evaluation of the business project, company activities, and compliance with the established criteria.

Application Stages

The procedure consists of several key steps:

Step 1. Preparing the document package

The company compiles a set of materials confirming compliance with the allowed activity types and the ability to carry out a technological project.

Step 2. Submitting the application to the Secretariat of the Supervisory Board of the HTP

Documents are submitted in the required form, after which the review process begins.

Step 3. Expert evaluation of the project

HTP specialists analyze:

• the type of activity,
• the business model,
• the technological component,
• revenue structure and development plans.

Step 4. Decision by the Supervisory Board

The final decision is made during a meeting of the HTP Supervisory Board.

Step 5. Entry into the Register of HTP Residents

After approval by the Supervisory Board, the company officially receives resident status and may apply the provisions of the legal regime.

Required Documents

The list of documents may vary depending on the specifics of the business, but the standard package includes:

• an application in the required format,
• the company’s founding documents,
• a business project,
• information about management and owners,
• description of products or services,
• a financial model or proof of revenue structure,
• information about the team and competencies.

Note: Detailed description of technological activities is one of the key factors for successful project approval.

Review Timeframe and Typical Reasons for Refusal

Normally, the review process takes 1–2 months, including preparation and internal approvals.

The most common refusal reasons are:

• the stated type of activity does not match HTP requirements,
• lack of real technological activity,
• no proof of revenue or project structure,
• incorrect or incomplete document package,
• the business model does not meet HTP regulatory requirements.

Foreign companies most often face refusal due to misunderstanding of HTP criteria or attempting to apply with projects that are not IT-related or not based on high-tech services.

Benefits and Opportunities for HTP Residents

HTP residency provides companies with a set of legal instruments that simplify operations in both domestic and international markets. Most benefits are designed to support technological business development, reduce administrative burdens and increase operational flexibility.

Simplified Business Conditions

Key advantages include:

• simplified rules for conducting foreign trade transactions,
• flexible models for the use of intellectual property,
• ability to structure relations with customers and contractors more efficiently.

For international companies, this is particularly valuable, as the HTP provides a predictable, stable regulatory environment for IT business operations.

Foreign Economic Activity

HTP residents can:

• sign contracts in electronic form,
• simplify export registration of IT services,
• work with international clients without excessive bureaucracy.

This reduces legal and accounting workload and allows companies to scale export operations faster.

Flexible Employment Models

HTP enables residents to use modern formats of workforce engagement, including:

• remote work without additional procedures,
• contracts with foreign specialists,
• flexible project-based hiring,
• visa-free entry for foreign employees.

This makes HTP attractive for global companies building distributed teams.

Administrative and Operational Advantages

HTP residency helps companies:

• reduce the number of administrative procedures,
• simplify reporting and documentation (including unilateral issuance of primary accounting documents),
• launch new services and directions faster.

Companies do not need to interact regularly with multiple governmental bodies — many processes are centralized under the HTP framework.

Restrictions and Obligations of HTP Residents

The HTP regime provides significant benefits, but also imposes obligations. They are not excessive or overly bureaucratic, but require proper attention and compliance. Failure to meet requirements may result in penalties or loss of resident status, therefore, understanding the limitations in advance is essential.

Reporting Obligations

Despite simplified processes, residents must:

• comply with general accounting and taxation requirements in Belarus,
• submit quarterly and annual reports to the HTP Secretariat confirming activity compliance,
• accurately record IT-related revenue,
• ensure transparency of intellectual property transactions and client contracts.

The HTP does not require additional specialized reporting, but the resident must regularly confirm ongoing activity within approved business categories.

Activity Limitations

A resident company must:

• operate only within activities allowed under HTP regulations,
• not use its resident status for non-tech or unrelated projects,
• properly structure processes to avoid mixing technology-based business with trade, manufacturing, or unrelated services.

For example, if a company develops software but also sells consumer services or physical goods, such operations must remain outside the HTP regime.

Regulatory Considerations

Some regulatory specifics may be unexpected for foreign companies:

• HTP does not override general labor law — standard employment rules apply,
• HTP does not exempt activities requiring licenses,
• certain income or foreign contracts may require additional structuring,
• residents must maintain separate accounting for permitted activities,
• residents must pay a mandatory quarterly contribution of 1% of revenue generated from permitted HTP activities. Funds are used to support the legal framework and infrastructure. This contribution is transparent, calculated annually, and required to maintain residency.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Violating HTP requirements may result in:

• loss of residency status — and therefore loss of associated benefits,
• retroactive tax assessments if benefits were applied to non-eligible activities,
• administrative penalties for tax, labor, or currency law violations.

Exclusions are not common, but occur when companies disregard permitted activity rules or document operations incorrectly.

Who HTP Residency Is Suitable For

HTP residency is not applicable to all companies, only those whose business aligns with HTP technological criteria and requires simplified tax and operational processes. Below are the types of companies that benefit the most.

IT Companies Working for Export

The primary goal of HTP is to support tech companies targeting global markets. If your company develops software, offers IT services, or conducts R&D in advanced technology, HTP residency provides:

• simplified taxation (0% corporate income tax, no VAT on export),
• ability to work with global clients without bureaucracy,
• flexible workforce models (foreign hiring, remote work, etc.).

This environment provides stability, tax benefits, and flexibility for export-oriented tech businesses.

Startups and Product-Focused Teams

Startups, especially those in early growth or development stages, benefit from the simplified regulatory framework. HTP residents in Belarus gain:

• reduced spending on taxes and administrative procedures,
• streamlined operating conditions without public financial disclosure,
• access to flexible hiring schemes (remote and international talent).

If a startup builds technology products and is globally focused, HTP is an ideal foundation.

International Companies Expanding into Belarus

For multinational tech companies entering the Belarusian market, HTP provides favorable business conditions:

• simplified tax mechanisms for tech products and services, including VAT-free export,
• flexible legal structuring and employment models,
• a centralized administrative environment without interacting with multiple authorities.

Companies opening R&D hubs or scaling engineering teams in Belarus can significantly simplify operations through HTP.

Companies Requiring Flexible International Collaboration Models

For businesses operating across borders and in need of flexible cooperation structure, HTP offers:

• international contracts with reduced administrative overhead,
• simplified foreign economic transactions and IP management,
• flexible work with foreign employees — including remote hiring and contractors.

Conclusion

The High-Tech Park of Belarus offers a unique opportunity for companies working in information and high-tech fields to significantly simplify business operations in the country. HTP residency provides substantial benefits, from tax advantages and simplified reporting to flexible cooperation formats with global partners and employees.

However, obtaining residency requires thoughtful preparation and compliance with the eligibility criteria at every stage. Proper document preparation, compliance with approved activity types, and understanding regulatory specifics are key to successful approval.

Our team is ready to provide full advisory support regarding HTP residency, as well as assist with preparation and submission at every stage of the process. We help companies navigate requirements, optimize operations, and maximize the benefits of the HTP legal framework.

If you are considering applying for HTP residency or want to assess whether it suits your project feel free to request a consultation.

With our support, you can move forward confidently, minimizing risks and unlocking all advantages of one of the most progressive legal business regimes in Belarus.

How to contact us 

For more information or a consultation on entering the HTP in Belarus, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you.

Phone and email communication options are available for your convenience:

• +375293664477 (WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber);
• info@spex.by.